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SavvySugar Consumer Reports: How to Make Pricey Appliances Last Nov 16, 2009 4:00 AM The cost of maintaining a home and appliances is often a major deterrent for those debating whether to rent or purchase a home . The unexpected expense of fixing leaky gutters and broken dishwashers can be budget breaking if it comes at the wrong time of month. Not to mention it's a huge pain. Consumer Reports has put together a great guide for how to extend the useful life of appliances and pricey goodies. Obviously, the key is maintenance and keeping a watchful eye on appliances so they don't break down unexpectedly and leave you in a pricey pinch. Consumer Reports suggests: Cell phones Don't stow in your car's glove compartment during the summer. Otherwise, batteries may overheat, possibly ruining the phone. If you've been known to drop your cell phone, treat it to a protective case. Clothes dryers Clean the lint filter after each use and the entire air duct yearly. If your dryer breaks, think about replacing it if repairs will cost more than half the price of a comparable new model. But don't expect much gain in performance or efficiency, since dryer technology hasn't changed much. Clothes washers Don't overload. If your washer breaks, think about replacing it if repairs will cost more than half the price of a comparable model. If you're replacing, consider a high-efficiency washer, which should save money over time. Also consider a front-loader, which is less punishing to clothes than a top-loader. Dishwashers Check the filter regularly and remove any debris. To see additional suggestions and reminders, . Hardwood floors Dust mop or vacuum weekly. Wipe up wet spills pronto. Kitchen knives Keep them out of the dishwasher and store them in a wooden knife block or individual plastic shields. Laptop computers Set them on a hard, flat surface rather than a soft one such as a bed or carpet, which can block airflow and cause them to overheat. LCD TVs Clean the screen gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth, ideally a microfiber one. Avoid commercial cleaners and paper towels, which can scratch the screen. Mattresses Rotate periodically. Try not to sit on the edge. Buy a washable, protective cover. And pull back the sheets and blankets to let the bed air out for 20 minutes or so each morning. Visit the Consumer Reports website for more tips on making your pricey goods last.
SavvySugar I'm Asking: Do You Take Career Risks or Play by the Rules? Nov 13, 2009 4:00 AM If there's one professional trait that I admire beyond bounds, it's an entrepreneurial spirit . It's hard not to be wowed by those who take charge, go out on their own, or create their own course when opportunity presents itself. That being said, taking career risks — whether a risky decision, move, or project — can be tricky and dangerous. Do you stick to the script at your job or in your professional endeavors, or are you a wild child when it comes to business?
SavvySugar I'm Asking: Would You Make a Donation for "Free" Services? Nov 12, 2009 12:00 PM Not that I'm one to turn down a little something for nothing to save money, and take advantage of museum free days or other no-fee exhibits while traveling, even gratis concerts in the park can have people asking for donations to keep these things a reality. Still the reality is, seeing the donation bin doesn't always make people toss in money or it'd be overflowing daily! Even Google's free holiday Wifi program has a giveback option. If you're looking for a way to spread holiday cheer and generosity, you can make a charitable donation to one of three organizations , and the company will match it up to $250,000 — whoa, now that's some pricey WiFi! If faced an optional donation, especially for a service you'd ordinarily have to pay for, do you offer up a little something in exchange? Source: Flickr User andreadg
SavvySugar Your Two Cents: Is There Room in Your Holiday Budget For Charity? Nov 12, 2009 6:00 AM The holiday season isn't just about gift-giving — even while the budget may be stretched, it's also the time of year to give to charity. It's no secret that things are tight this year. The recession is changing the way we holiday shop , but is it also changing our philanthropic spirit of giving for a good cause? Apparently so. Charitable foundations and organizations throughout the country are suffering from a lack of funds — the size of charitable giving just isn't sizable enough . Nonprofits, especially on the local level, are dealing with some serious cutbacks in their budgets, thanks to an economic climate that makes giving to a cause more of a luxury than it used to be. Where organizations used to rely on the generosity of philanthropic donors, they are now turning to the government for aid. It's unfortunate, but while philanthropy is still a valued cause for giving, there are many who just may not be able to offer support this year. Of course, there are other ways to help out — volunteering, for one — but I'm curious: Is writing a check for charity out of the question this holiday season? Or are you still making room in your budget for a charitable donation?
SavvySugar Ask Savvy: Should I Buy a New Car? Nov 11, 2009 12:00 PM Dear Savvy, I recently got a letter in the mail from a local car dealership requesting that I trade in my 2001 VW Passat, saying that they are getting lots of requests and stating the blue book value for my car. I wouldn't mind buying a new car, but promised myself I would drive my car until it is unrepairable or I graduate from college, whichever comes first. I still have two more years to go, but if this offer is legitimate, I don't want to let the opportunity go. Any advice? Savvy says : The car dealership is reaching out to people who aren't in the market for a new car and convincing them to consider busting an auto move. That's a pretty successful campaign on its part, but are your best interests at hand? Find out what I think when you . You have a car that isn't causing you headaches and you're still in school, which makes me assume that you're probably better off without the additional expense of an updated vehicle. While trading in your car would reduce the cost of the newer one, I'd put money on you walking out of the dealership with more bills to pay than when you walked in. Car dealerships are fantastic at making us think the deals they're advertising right now are once-in-a-lifetime bargains that won't be seen again. They want you to worry that you'll regret not jumping on their current offerings so that you buy now instead of later, and as you put it, you don't want to "let the opportunity go." Bottom line, a deal isn't a deal unless you're shopping for something in the first place and can afford the terms. And that lost opportunity? Think about the money you'll save by keeping your current ride for the next couple years, and don't be surprised when there are deals to be had when you're in the market for something different. Have a question for me? Ask away by posting your questions in my Ask Savvy group and I may answer it on the site!

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Money Personality Quiz %u2013 Shopping Personality Quizzes - Seventeen.com Recession Resistant Franchise THE DAILY MOOD FLIPCHART Business or Credit Card Wallet (Pink and Orange Roses) by notapotato on Etsy

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Consumer Reports: How to Make Pricey Appliances Last I'm Asking: Do You Take Career Risks or Play by the Rules? I'm Asking: Would You Make a Donation for "Free" Services? Ask Savvy: Should I Buy a New Car?

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Do you ever do something to save money and get excited about it? You generally don't call your girlfriends to exchange savings strategies; that would probably be on the awkward side. No matter how big or small you think your money solutions are, I want to know what you've done to save lately! Give me your savvy scoop by joining my group, How Do You Save.